NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety
Element 3: Fuel, oxygen and ignition sources and control measures Learning outcome • 3.1 - 3.2 The learner will be able to advise how fires and explosions can occur and the appropriate controls to minimise fire and explosion risks. 3.1 Sources of fuel, oxygen, and ignition sources Assessment criteria: 3.1: Give an overview of the principles and conditions for the ignition of solids, liquids and gases and the controls that can be put in place. Common sources of ignition of accidental fires Electrical Appliances and Installations Electrical appliances and the electrical installation itself are potential sources of ignition, this ignition can be by sparks, electric arcing, and overheating. Whilst the focus of such points of ignition tends to fall upon defective equipment it is not necessarily the case. As an example, even when clicking a light switch to the on position an electrical arc is created, given adverse conditions such as a gas or vapour leak, the (now) combustible environment can easily ignite. Other examples of potential sources of ignition from electrical items are overheating of electrical circuits, poor wiring connections, use of unauthorised electrical appliances, multi-point adaptors, and problems with the use of extension leads are all hazards that frequently result in fires starting. Therefore, you should ensure that all electrical The typical and simplest form of lightning protection would be a lightning conductor. This is a heavy-duty conductor which is run above the highest point of the building to the earth. Its designed and positioned as such so that should lightning strike it will hit the conductor and travel to the earth instead of striking the building. The US National Weather Service reported that in the 10-year period 2009-2018, there were a reported annual average 27 fatalities as a result of lightning strikes. In the period 1987-2016, The UK averaged 2 fatalities a year from lightning strikes. Cooking The process of cooking by definition involves the use of heat, and as you will have also studied in other elements (the fire triangle), heat as well as being an effect of the combustion process is also a potential source of ignition. circuits and equipment in the workplace are inspected and tested on a regular basis. Have any faults in wiring or fittings repaired promptly by a qualified electrician. Lightning
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